PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department will abolish the Online Appointment System (STO) and extend the operating hours of passport issuance offices and counters to overcome problems related to international passport applications and renewals.

       Its director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud announced that the STO for all passport issuance offices outside the Klang Valley would be abolished from May 9, and from May 16 in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor Baru, Negri Sembilan and Melaka.

       “Those who have received an appointment date through STO from May 16 no longer need to follow the given date,” he said in a statement, Bernama reported.

       Khairul Dzaimee also announced that all passport issuance offices in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Johor Baru, Negri Sembilan and Melaka would operate every Saturday from 8am to 1pm beginning May 14.

       Apart from that, the operating hours of immigration counters at Urban Transformation Centres in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor Baru will be extended to 10pm starting May 16.

       He said the difficulties faced by Malaysians were due to the sharp increase in passport applications and renewals following the reopening of the country’s borders from April 1, causing the online system to be congested.

       He added that 151,173 passports were issued nationwide from April 1 to 26.

       On average, he said 8,000 passport applications were received daily, an increase of about 40% compared with before the borders reopened.Khairul Dzaimee said new applicants, senior citizens, people with disabilities, students, children and applicants who will perform the haj could go straightaway to the counter in Putrajaya.

       “However, for passport renewals, the Putrajaya passport office will only process applications made online and those who have received notification via email,” he added.